However, the future of Walton Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit looks more certain, following a meeting to discuss changes in opening hours.

In February 2002, the News & Mail reported that work was due to begin on a new health centre, in Rodney Road, in May of this year. However, members of North Surrey Community Health Council, the area’s health watchdog, have been told the plans had been stopped due to difficulties.

A spokesperson for North Surrey Primary Care Trust (PCT), the body making decisions about healthcare in Walton and Hersham, confirmed the delay.

“North Surrey PCT is committed to providing modern healthcare in premises that are clean, modern and fit for that purpose,” she said.“We are currently developing a long-term programme to achieve this across the PCT.

“Walton Health Centre is still being reviewed as part of the PCT’s new Estates Strategy.

“It is important that we strike the right balance between the services we offer and our financial situation to ensure we deliver value for money wherever possible.

“We are currently investigating several options for the redevelopment of Walton Health Centre to ensure we achieve value for money and this is taking a little longer than we had anticipated.”

The existing building was put up in the 1970s, but has developed faults, including a leaking roof.

The planned new, two-storey building would have provided more room for staff to offer extra services.

“The first redevelopment was to be funded by the local NHS and was included in their forward plan.

“I would have expected it to have been finished round about now. I think it’s generally accepted by everyone that

Walton needs its health centre improving.” Meanwhile, last week’s PCT meeting about the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU), which is also located in Rodney Road, brought hope for hospital staff and health campaigners.

Concerns were raised after the unit’s opening hours were reduced, with the closing time put forward from 7pm to 3pm.

Gerry Gilbert, from the Friends of Walton Hospital, said the meeting had been “encouraging”.

“We had concerns that the move to reduce the hours was a prelude to closing the MIU altogether,” he said.

“We were assured it wasn’t the case. The situation will stay as it is now. In September, they’ll tell us if they will stay with the reduced hours or increase them.

“Later in the autumn they’ll look at other options for making better use of the facilities.

“They’re committed to providing long-term service in Walton and advancing and improving it.”